Why We Love: Kristen Wiig

Published January 6, 2010•Updated on May 17, 2011 at 2:15 pm

The SNL star made her big-screen debut in her new movie, "Bridesmaids," which she also co-wrote and co-produced. Take a look at why we love her.

26 photos

1/26

AP
In this April 29, 2011 photo, actress Kristen Wiig poses for photos in Los Angeles. Wiig has her first big-screen starring role in Bridesmaids, which she also co-wrote and co-produced. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

2/26

AP
Kristen Wiig has entertained us with her Saturday Night Live antics since 2005. Now, she's a star on the big screen as Annie in "The Hangover"-inspired film, "Bridesmaids." Click through to see more on why we like this funnywoman.

3/26

Getty ImagesSHE CHUCKED IT ALL FOR A DREAM: Wiig, an art major, was offered a job doing photo retouching for a plastic surgeon's office. The day before she was supposed to start, she thought "I don't want this to be my life," according to Women's Health. The next day she packed her bags and drove to LA to become an actress.

4/26

AP
Her dream to become an actress has now brought her into the spotlight. Wiig plays the broke and lovelorn Annie in "Bridesmaids," but when she's asked by her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) to be her maid of honor, she (of course) steps up to the plate to try to bluff her way through all of the expensive rituals that make the bride's big day a success.

5/26

NBC Universal, Inc.SHE LOVES SURPRISES: Oh my Gahd.... Oh my Gahhhhhhd! If you didn't watch Surprise Sue repeatedly on SNL, quote her constantly or dress up as her for Halloween, then you are in for a surprise of your own.

6/26

AP
... and Wiig's character, Annie, gets the surprise of her life when her best friend tells her she's getting married. Most bridesmaids are up against a lot of challenges, not the least of which is the expense of "serving" a best friend or relative. She serves as a (quirky) role model to bridesmaids everywhere.

7/26

Getty ImagesVERSATILITY: She is one of SNL's most celebrated comediennes, having played countless roles on the show, from "Target Lady" to partner/love interest of "Macgruber"...

8/26

Getty Images
... and she is equally as versatile in her talents. As a co-producer, writer and actress, Wiig is one busy lady!

9/26

NBC Universal, Inc.SHE HAS SOUND FINANCIAL ADVICE: Forget the real Suze Orman. Wiig has money saving tips as well as a best bet for where to spend your money: buying... more... jackets!

10/26

EFESHE'S AWARD-NOMINATED:</b.She has appeared in hundreds of sketches, had some star turns in films and was nominated for an Emmy. Clearly we are not the only ones who love her...

11/26

Getty ImagesSHE HAS CLASSY STYLE: We love the elegant look Wiig sported at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in November 2009.

12/26

Getty Images... AND SASSY STYLE: And Wiig was bold enough to pair it with red tights. Brilliant!

13/26

Getty ImagesSHE'S NOT AFRAID TO "UG" IT UP: Wiig is an attractive lady, yet she plays along when people turn her into ugly monstrosities like this.

NBC Universal, Inc.SHE LIKES TARGET: And who doesn't? Wiig herself told Women's Health, "It's clean. They have great things. It's every reason you love a store."

16/26

KristenWiig.comSHE HAS AN AMAZING WEBSITE: You're looking at it. Wiig's website consists of this drawing, links to her agency and management company and a message that she doesn't do social media. And that's it.

17/26

Fox SearchlightSHE MOCKS THE HAND THAT FEEDS HER: Wiig's turn as Maggie Mahem in Drew Barrymore's roller derby flick Whip It gave us the gem, "You can never have too much eyeliner. Or LashBlast," spoofing Barrymore's turn as a Cover Girl spokeswoman.

18/26

Getty ImagesSHE HAS GLAM STYLE: Wiig does glam well, like with this electric blue assymetrical dress matched with a wide patent leather belt, which she wore to the Ghost Town premiere in 2008.

19/26

TelemundoSHE CAN MAKE RICKY GERVAIS LAUGH: It takes a mighty comedic power to make funnyman Ricky Gervais laugh. Wiig does it with ease during a press conference for Ghost Town. What a compliment for someone who thinks Gervais is "beyond genius."

20/26

NBC 5 NewsSHE CAN BE A REAL A-HOLE: And we love her for it. Right, babe?

21/26

NBC Universal, Inc.SHE'S NAUGHTY: Wiig's character Gilly isn't afraid to be a bad girl and we dig that. But she still teaches us a valuable lesson: it's OK as long as you say you're sorry. (Gilly also got her very own SNL special: A Very Gilly Christmas.)

22/26

Getty ImagesSHE WILL GET UP IN IT: Do not mess with Wiig.

23/26

Getty ImagesSHE HAS CASUAL STYLE: Not only can Wiig go glam, she can do casual in style. The layering, colors and accessories make this look from Sundance 2009 slacker chic.

24/26

NBC Universal, Inc.SHE MAKES KATHIE LEE GIFFORD TOLERABLE: (At least with her impression.) Sorry, Kathie Lee, but Wiig has your number and the guts to put it all out there.

25/26

NECNSHE MAKES ROOM FOR NEWBIES: Wiig was a newcomer once, too. When Jenny Slate dropped the f-bomb during her first show, Wiig played it off like nothing happened. After all, Wiig is afraid she'll swear or forget her lines, too, according to A.V. Club.

26/26

Getty ImagesIN SHORT: EVERYTHING. In 2009, Wiig made EW's list of 25 Funniest Women in Hollywood and she is clearly someone to watch. From her TV and movie roles to her red carpet appearances, we can't wait to see what Wiig does next.